Polley’s memoir wins top prize at TFCA

A highly personal documentary by one of Canada’s best regarded film makers has won a top prize at the Toronto Film Critics Association Awards.

Sarah Polley’s Stories We Tell took home the Rogers best Canadian film award at a gala on Tuesday. The award also comes with $100,000, making it the richest arts prize in Canada.

“With this deeply personal film, Sarah Polley has offered up a thoroughly engaging and interesting depiction of her own family and its stories.” Phil Lind, Vice Chairman, Rogers Communications Inc. said in a release.

“She is at the forefront of Canadian filmmakers and we’re thrilled to recognize this achievement with this prize. As long time supporters of the Canadian production sector, Rogers is proud to support these Canadian stories and the Canadian story tellers who bring them to life.”

Also nominated for the award were Bestiaire directed by Denis Côté, and Goon directed by Michael Dowse.

“It’s amazing to be given this kind of recognition by a community of people you really respect. I do feel like most of my film education has come from the criticism and support I’ve been given by film critics in this city,” Polley told CityNews.

In Stories We Tell Polley traces her recent discovery that the man she believed was her father was actually not her biological father.

The film also received the TFCA’s 2012 Allan King documentary award.

After her acceptance speech, the crowd sang Happy Birthday to Polley, who was celebrating her 34th birthday.

Polley previously won the award in 2006 for her film Away From Her which stared Julie Christie and Gordon Pinsent.

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